A memorial service for Doyle Roy Williams Sr., 83, of Coos Bay, will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at Shoreline Community Church, 1251 Clark Street in North Bend. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service at ILWU Local 12 hiring hall, 2064 Sheridan in North Bend.
Doyle was born Jan. 10, 1935 in Denver, Colorado to Carl and Vera Williams. He lost his courageous battle with cancer Feb. 19, 2018 at his home, surrounded by family and good friend, Bruce Christensen.
In 1948, Doyle’s family moved from Arvada, Colo., to Dayton, Oregon. He married Nancy Lee Cornelius in 1953. They moved to Coos Bay, where he found employment and raised four children. In 1953 he became a member of ILWU Longshoreman Local 12 until his retirement in 1997.
Doyle’s passion and willingness to take a chance, led him to start his own business, Williams Excavating & Trucking. He worked nights as a longshoreman and days building up his business. He sold his business the first time, in the 1970s. During his working career he was President of the Oregon Dump Truck Assn., owned Red’s Tavern in Charleston and was President of the ILWU Local 12 union.
In 1988, he married Caroline Marie Estep-Baker and added her two children to his family. They also became partners with Doyle’s brother, Frank and started W.B. Auctions. He also restarted Williams Excavating & Trucking, running a topsoil pit near K-Mart until his retirement in 2004, once again selling his business.
Doyle was naturally drawn to people from all walks of life in quiet generous ways. Doyle touched many lives with his wisdom, love and kindness. He never hesitated to share his knowledge with anyone. He loved children of all ages.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline Williams; sisters, Anna Mae and Laura Jean; and brother, Frank. He was the most loving, caring and supporting father of six children, Doyle Williams Jr., Susan and husband, Doug Ennis , Jerialea and husband, John Kuhl, Carole and husband, Terry Wells , Jim Osborn and Andrew Osborn; as well as 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Doyle was preceded in death by his father, Carl O. Williams; mother, Vera Mae Williams; and brothers, Clyde and Carl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Children’s Awana’s Program at Shoreline Community Church, 1251 Clark Street, North Bend, OR 97459.
Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.
Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com
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